There are moments in small business that feel almost impossible when you first start out. Standing on stage in Melbourne hearing the name Half-Pace Brewing Company called out as the winner of Best Fruit Beer at the 2026 Australian International Beer Awards was definitely one of them.
For a tiny independent brewery tucked away inside Hang 10 Distillery in Warriewood on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, it was surreal.
What began as a passion project built with second-hand equipment, creativity, determination and countless late nights has now earned recognition on one of the biggest stages in global brewing.
Winning Best Fruit Beer in the World’s Largest Beer Competition
The Australian International Beer Awards, run by Melbourne Royal, are recognised as the world’s largest annual beer competition, attracting entries from breweries across Australia and internationally.
For Half-Pace Brewing Company to receive the 2026 Trophy for Best Fruit Beer with our Cherry Pick’n Sour was an incredible honour, especially as a brewery only just over two years old.
Alongside the trophy win, Half-Pace also received multiple additional medals and nominations across several major categories, competing against some of the most established breweries in the country.
2026 Medal Results
Trophy Winner
🥇 Best Fruit Beer — Cherry Pick’n Sour 5.2%
Gold Medals
🥇 Cherry Pick’n Sour 5.2%
🥇 Hold’N On To What’s Golden Belgian Golden Strong Ale 7.2%
Silver Medals
🥈 Funk Hit the Fan Tart Farmhouse IPA 5.9%
🥈 Easily Led Astray Hazy IPA 6%
🥈 Dopamine Expedition Double Oat Cream IPA 7.7%
Bronze Medal
🥉 No Gimmicks West Coast IPA 6%
Additional Award Nominations
✨ Best Belgian/French Style Beer
✨ Champion Small Australian Brewery
✨ Champion Australian Beer
The Story Behind Cherry Pick’n Sour
The beer that took home the trophy was Cherry Pick’n Sour, a vibrant sour ale conditioned on massive amounts of sour cherries, rhubarb and vanilla.
From the very beginning, the goal was to create a fruit beer that felt expressive, balanced and genuinely enjoyable to drink, not overly sweet or artificial, but layered with real fruit character and refreshing acidity.
The result is a beer bursting with jammy cherry pie aromas, tart rhubarb brightness and subtle vanilla softness, all balanced by a crisp sour finish that keeps you coming back for another sip.
According to Half-Pace Co-founder and Head Brewer Dan Koorey, Cherry Pick’n was one of those rare beers where everything simply came together perfectly.
“We conditioned our base sour ale on massive amounts of sour cherries, rhubarb and vanilla to create something that was bold, expressive and genuinely drinkable,” Koorey said.
“The jammy, pie-like aroma and flavour really became the star of the show. We wanted the beer to feel layered and indulgent while still staying refreshing and balanced.”
Built From Passion, Second-Hand Equipment and a Tiny Warehouse
Half-Pace Brewing Company officially launched in early 2024, becoming the first brewery open to the public in Warriewood.
The brewery was co-created by professional brewer Dan Koorey alongside Hang 10 Distillery founders Deon Rowe and Marine Raynard.
Starting with an empty warehouse and a very limited budget, the team slowly pieced together a custom-built brewhouse using a mix of second-hand equipment and handmade components.
The brewery remains intentionally small today, producing limited batch releases with a strong focus on flavour, creativity and experimentation.
That small scale has become one of Half-Pace’s biggest strengths.
Rather than chasing large-scale production, the brewery focuses on brewing fresh, interesting beers designed to be enjoyed locally on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
A Brewery Built for the Local Community
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing the support from the local community continue to grow.
From locals dropping into the taproom after work to customers picking up takeaway cans for the weekend, every bit of support has helped keep the brewery moving forward.
“This award is also for the Northern Beaches locals who’ve supported us along the way,” said Deon Rowe.
“Whether someone grabbed a beer at the bar, picked up takeaway cans, or simply told a friend about us, that support is what keeps small independent breweries alive. We hope the local community can feel proud of what we’ve built here in Warriewood, because this achievement really belongs to everyone who’s backed us from the beginning.”
What’s Next for Half-Pace Brewing Company?
This award feels like a huge milestone, but it also feels like just the beginning.
Half-Pace Brewing Company will continue focusing on small-batch independent brewing, rotating beer releases and creative experimentation, with several new beers already planned for 2026, including an upcoming stout release.
The brewery continues operating inside Hang 10 Distillery’s brewery, distillery, taproom and cellar door space in Warriewood, offering fresh beer, handcrafted spirits, cocktails, pizzas and takeaway cans.
Visit Half-Pace Brewing Company in Warriewood
If you’re looking for an independent craft brewery on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, come visit us in Warriewood and try the award-winning beers for yourself.
Opening Hours
Thursday: 4pm – 9pm
Friday: 12pm – 10pm
Saturday: 12pm – 10pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
Location
Unit 48/5 Ponderosa Parade, Warriewood NSW
The award-winning Cherry Pick’n Sour is available for takeaway and returning on tap very soon alongside a rotating lineup of fresh Half-Pace beers.